Chester-le-Street went down 3-1 at home to Consett. Consett were first to show after only two minutes when Gavin Parkin cut in from the right but shot just wide of the near post. Chester took the lead after 9 minutes. Robert Palmer crossed the ball into the middle and keeper Dan Staples only succeeded in punching the ball down to Craig Price who saw his shot deflect off a defender onto the post and back across the goal for Nathan Fisher to turn in from close range. Consett drew level after 14 minutes when Gavin Parkin's shot from the edge of the area was deflected and the ball looped over Josh Carmichael into the net. The rest of the first half was fought out in midfield with no clear-cut chances to either side. Consett nearly took the lead after 46 minutes when the ball was crossed from the right to the far side but Andy Cuthbertson's shot brought a good save from Carmichael. Consett did take the lead after 53 minutes when Andy Cuthbertson fired in a low, long-range shot which deceived Carmichael and crept just inside the post. Chester had a chance to equalise after 71 minutes when a corner was only cleared to Rob Draper but he lifted his shot well over the bar. Shortly afterwards, another corner was headed wide by Andy Armstrong from a good position. Consett sealed the result in the last minute when a good cross from David Pounder on the right found Matthew Moffat and he headed high into the net. Another disappointing result although the team did battle hard.
Team: Josh Carmichael, Chris Hunter Nicholas Kane, 72 mins), Robert Palmer (Robert Bird, 86 mins), Damian Maw, Andy Armstrong, Ian Dixon, Kyle Bird (Luke Gilhespy, 65 mins), Craig Price, Nathan Fisher, Rob Draper, Ben Johnson. Subs Not Used : Colin Wake, Ian Aitken.
Crowd: 102
Referee: Mr. G. Liddle, Darlington
Assistants: Mr. G. McLelland, Shildon & Mr. P. Yates. Ingleby Barwick